Indoor rated tile in garage?

[Gunslinger99]

Would you guys use this tile in your garage? My only concern is how it is indoor rated. I am located in Utah and temps in the sub zero are not uncommon during the winter. Usually only for a few days. I do plan to heat my garage but currently haven't done so yet. I think I know the answer to my question but wanted to run it here to make sure I am right. Here are the specs:


Collection Name White
Manufacturer Color/Finish White matte
Actual Length (Inches) 12.0
Actual Width (Inches) 12.0
Tile Thickness 8mm
Tile Finish Glazed
Material Ceramic
Mosaic No
Mosaic Pattern N/A
Edge Style Straight edge (rectified)
Surface Type Smooth
PEI Rating 4-Moderate to heavy traffic
Package Quantity 1.0
Sold As Individual tile
Indoor/Outdoor Indoor only
Frost Resistance No
Chemical Resistance No
Water Absorption Semi-vitreous
ADA Compliant Yes
Dry Coefficient of Friction 0.83
Wet Coefficient of Friction 0.64
Breaking Strength in lbs. Greater than 750
Shade Variation Low
Approximate Size (L x W) 12" x 12"
Color/Finish Family White
Square Footage Per Carton (Sq. Feet) 1.0

 

[Shea]

Though porcelain is the preferred choice, there are people here who have used ceramic without any issues at all. The PEI rating is fine and the wet coefficient of friction is even better.

My biggest concern would be the Semi-vitreous Water Absorption since you live in a state where it can get very cold. The surface of the tile won't absorb any water, but I believe the underside or sides can. If you bring in moisture from snow or water that works it's way between the grout and into the side or underside of the tile, you stand the chance of the tile being ruined from frost damage. I don't lay tile for living but I am very familiar with the process having done a few floors myself.

Hopefully one of the tile experts will weigh in here on whether or not that rating would be an issue or not. Are you getting a good deal on it?

 

[JakeKohl]

Personally, I think we put too much importance in the PEI rating. It's a rating made by rubbing steel bearings on the tile until it shows wear. Our garages see very little of that kind of repeat abuse and, unless you are making a living in your garage, it sees a whole lot less traffic than your foyer. PEI of 4 should be fine in my opinion (5 is the highest).

Coefficient of friction is the most important rating here...wet particularly. You don't want to create an ice rink. Anything over 0.60 is considered slip resistant (ADA and OSHA). Those should be pretty good with the wet coefficient of friction at 0.64.

With regards to porcelain vs. ceramic, I don't have much to add - people have done both. Porcelain has better moisture resistance (as Shea pointed out) and you can get porcelain in a through body color so if it does chip, the color doesn't change. Many folks have put ceramic in their garage and I don't think I've ever heard of any complaints either way.

 

[Jack Olsen]

That's pretty close to the ceramic tile I have in my garage. I think the only make-or-break issue would be if it's going to be exposed to freezing temperatures. Then it's probably not the right stuff for you. I can't imagine the indoor rating has to do with anything but moisture content.

 

[Gunslinger99]

Thanks guys. I am concerned about the moisture content as well. It's not a great deal but it's decent. I can't seem to find porcelian tile for very cheap that I like.

I may have to pass on this. The semi vitreous doesn't seem like a good fit for my location. I don't know if I used an epoxy grout or sealed it if it would make any difference?? Anyone have any experience in this area?

 

[MG David]

I have similar tiles in my kitchen and they have been there 18 years. My concern would be chipping when you drop heavy tools. Our kitchen floor has about 20 chips on it as a result of things being dropped. If you are not doing a lot of repair work and just parking and polishing there should not be a problem.